• “Signal K https://signalk.org is a modern and open data format for marine use. Built on standard web technologies including JSON, WebSockets and HTTP, Signal K provides a method for sharing information in a way that is friendly to WiFi, cellphones, tablets and the Internet.”

In these pages you can find information which helps you to connect OpenCPN with a Signal K data format enabled servers. We collect information references, and/or explain details when no external source is available related to Signal K and OpenCPN, such as

• Readily available Signal K enabled systems
• Installation of your own Signal K server (Windows/Mac and Raspberry Pi/Linux)
• Configuration of the Signal K server in view of its usage with OpenCPN
• Technical information (not mandatory reading)

See Filter NMEA/Course and Speed not working

I have, after a day with extensive testing, found the golden rule used when not all used plugins can read Signal K natively. First:

1. If you need to generate ONE NMEA 0183 code from Signal K / NMEA 2000 then ALL used signals should be converted into NMEA 0183 format and the direct reading of Signal K data should be deactivated.“

The above is a bit harsh but a signal that is available thru BOTH NMEA 0183 and Signal K may cause problems. Some signals may be ok but others may cause problems and I have found no way to select/limit which signals to convert directly. Better safe than sorry. I'm also aware that maybe not all wanted sentences can be generated as NMEA 0183.

1. If your GPS delivers more that one RMC sentence (eventually converted form NMEA 2000 into NMEA 0183) then multiply the setting 'Filter NMEA Course and Speed data' with the number of sentences per second. That is, of course, if you use that setting at all.